I was wondering if anyone could help me with a "check list" of parts needed for a 3800sc series II swap. The transmission would need to be automatic for now, as the car is automatic. (It would eventually be converted to a standard or when i find a cheap standard gt) Though I would like to have the plugs for both automatic and manual on the wiring harness so I could just "swap" the computers after a standard transmission went in.
Alright now that that has been said. Lets assume I just bought a 3800sc series II motor, without the accessories like the alternator. Lets also assume i'm paying someone build the wiring harness for me, and tune the computer. What would be my drivetrain options? that could handle somewhere around 320hp (random figure but I will build the motor up) Finally after all parts to be mentioned are bought, what modifications need to be done to the cradle, and or anything else? I have an 86 2.8 gt with an automatic transmission.

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86 2.8 gt

Building a harness that would have both plugs for an automatic and a manual transmission is going to look bad. You're questioning is a bit scrambled, so I suggest you start researching more to refine your query. You have many many "drivetrain options", figure out what it is you prefer, and then ask more specific questions. No modifications will be needed to use your cradle, you should be able to buy or build mounts that will use the existing mounting points.

I have a huge list I made for someone locally the other day, but it's personal, and I don't feel it would suite your needs with an automatic transaxle. None the less, if you decide you'd like to review what I drew up for him, I can cut all of the personal data out and send you a generalized overview.

[This message has been edited by L67 (edited 01-30-2011).]

quote Originally posted by L67: No modifications will be needed to use your cradle, you should be able to buy or build mounts that will use the existing mounting points.

the cradle should be fine but you will need cradle bushings

Not necessarily.

depends on condition, but I'm trying to get my 3800sc swap together as well and I know they can be done later but while the cradle it out, I figure, why not?

I myself like to "take care of it while it's out" So in all honesty I would probably end up getting new bushing all around, front suspension included. Thats just the way I work. What drivetrain set up would work as a daily driver ride, and be able to hold up to some abuse? If im not making any sense then just throw out suggestions, that could withstand a moderately heavy foot.

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86 2.8 gt

You continue on with drive train rhetoric, I can only gather you're referring to transmission choice (Technically, "drivetrain" is both transmission and engine combination. You've already chosen an engine.) Transmission; anything other than the Isuzu and stock Fiero automatic; 4 speed, 5 speed getrag (282), 5 speed getrag (287), 4t65eHD.

Cradle bushing's come secondary to control arm bushings. If those have already been replaced, then by all means knock out the cradle bushings with aluminum or poly replacements. They don't "have" to be replaced though.

Mike Gonzalez was kind enough to make a list of things I needed to do and parts required to do the conversion. He made my wiring harness for me and I was in the process of doing the conversion myself when we put the house on the market so some of the things I did while he did other things but here it is:

------3800 swap parts list------
Wiring Harnesses (both Fiero and Motor)--Mike made mine
Reprogrammed PCM--Darth Fiero
Proper Oil filter adapter or filter relocation kit--mine was already"properly" installed
Fuel pump EP376--DON'T use an aftermarket fuel pump. Bite the bullet and get the EP376.
Fiero Oil pressure sender--he used the 3800SC sending unit for my idiot light
Air intake coupler and tube/filter ??--I bought the Chevy truck tube from a GM dealer
Muffler/Exhaust/Tailpipes--Mike gave me a list to buy from Summit and constructed it himself
Spark plugs/wires--from NAPA
Fluids
Belts--I recommend Gates
Ribbed tensioner pulley--I needed this because I didn't install A/C compressor(see next item)
A/C delete pulley, or Fiero to 3800 A/C hoses if retaining A/C
In Line coolant fill point, or parts to “T” off heater lines--cobbled together from Summit, Home Depot and MIke's generosity
Coolant hoses--NAPA
4’ each 5/16 and 3/8 fuel injection hose--NAPA
Fuel injection clamps--O'Reilly's
8’ heater hose
Speedo buffer circuit parts (4T65E-HD only) built myself


-----Modifications/Fabrication-----
Modify throttle bracket on V6 Fiero, L4 works as is
Modify/reroute vacuum lines, remove BBV lock closed
Modify heater hose connections
Trans cooler lines/cooler building and mounting on manual to auto swap
Build speedo buffer for auto

My '84 Fiero had the C500 connector near the firewall and Mike moved it near the battery. Hope this adds to the other's suggestions. Maybe Mike will see this and add more information.

Surprised this thread hasn't been mentioned. An excellent, but long read.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...100421-1-053213.html

quote Originally posted by craigsfiero2007: Surprised this thread hasn't been mentioned. An excellent, but long read. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...100421-1-053213.html

its OLD and really cluttered.

Thank you. What transmission, and axles would be best for this swap? Keeping in mind it will be an automatic.

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86 2.8 gt

West coast fieros has a swap list just go down the list and cross off the options you don't want

quote Originally posted by kellisor20: Thank you. What transmission, and axles would be best for this swap? Keeping in mind it will be an automatic.

quote Originally posted by kellisor20: Oh and also what exactly needs to be done to the flywheel, and which flywheel is best?

Automatic's don't use flywheels. The "best" transmission is subjective, my opinion is the 4t65eHD that will come with your engine...
Axle information for the 4t65eHD.

Wow I'm sorry for the total brainfart there. I know that, but I guess this is what happens. When your'e going off of nine hours of sleep, for the past four days. So are you saying the transmission for the 2.8, will hold up to it?

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86 2.8 gt

quote Originally posted by kellisor20: So are you saying the transmission for the 2.8, will hold up to it?

Absolutely not! The Fiero automatic is known as the TH125C, aka 3T40.
Get some sleep man, it's not good to be planning something like this if you can't think straight.

If you are going to use an auto you definately want the 4T65E that is paired with the 3800's from the factory. You wont need a flywheel, just use the factory flexplate. These transmissions are geared correctly for this engine and can handle the torque without a problem.

There are a bunch of 3800SC swap/build/advice/etc threads on PFF. Search for "3800SC" and all your questions will be answered! When looking for your motor, get the trans (4T65eHD) that is bolted to it and the wiring harness and PCM from the same car. There are several different ways to come up with axle combos - depends on how the motor is mounted to the cradle - I do not believe there is a "canned" list for the 3800SC swap - there are mutiple variables involved.

Thank you mike. Can anyone tell me how much work is it to get the engine in, and hooked up not including the wiring harness?

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86 2.8 gt

If you buy pre made mounts it is not much more work then putting the stock motor in. The plumbing of coolant and fuel is fairly simple. The wiring is what stalls most people.

The insturment cluster would be difficult to use, they are run from a data cable off the BCM and I have noe idea what you would need to do to get it to function properly, i believe it is looking for a lot of information the Fiero wont supply !

My 3800 thread has some pretty good resources.

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10.5@134 3800 turbo 88 coupe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5li6oojNCIM

Ultimate 3800 swap thread